Beverages
Kirkland Signature Tropical Mango Flavored with Other Natural Flavors
20 fl oz
Score
- Ultra-processed
- Contains non-nutritive sweeteners
- No synthetic dyes
Why it scores 62
Kirkland Signature Tropical Mango Flavored with Other Natural Flavors scores 62 out of 100 (Good) under GoodSwap’s published rules. What moved the score most:
- minus 18 points Ultra-processed (NOVA 4): Classified NOVA 4: made with industrial ingredients and additives. Strong
- minus 7.5 points Sucralose: In a 2022 randomized study, sucralose and saccharin altered the gut microbiome and impaired glucose responses in some people; a 2023 lab study raised questions about its by-product sucralose-6-acetate. Strong
- minus 7.5 points Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K): In the NutriNet-Santé cohort, acesulfame-K intake was associated with higher cancer risk; cause and effect is not established. Strong
Every line of the math is on The Receipt below, with its evidence tier and sources.
The Receipt
Tropical Mango Flavored with Other Natural Flavors
Ingredients
- Sucralose minus 7.5 points
- Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K) minus 7.5 points
- Natural flavors minus 2.5 points
Processing
- Ultra-processed (NOVA 4) minus 18 points
- 3 kinds of ultra-processing markers minus 3 points
100 − 38.5 = 61.5 → 62
Nutrition per 100 ml
| Energy | 0 kcal |
|---|---|
| Fat | 0 g |
| Saturated fat | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 0 g |
| Sugars | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Salt | 0 g |
Serving: 591ml
Ingredients
- PURIFIED WATER
- ASCORBIC ACID (VITAMIN C)
- ZINC GLUCONATE
- CALCIUM PANTOTHENATE (B5)
- CYANOCOBALAMIN (B12)
- PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE (B6)
- CHROMIUM POLYNICOTINATE
- CITRIC ACID
- BETA CAROTENE (FOR COLOR)
- NATURAL FLAVOR
- SUCRALOSE (moderate concern)
- ACESULFAME POTASSIUM (moderate concern)
Label text, as published
PURIFIED WATER, CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF ASCORBIC ACID (VITAMIN C), ZINC GLUCONATE, CALCIUM PANTOTHENATE (B5), CYANOCOBALAMIN (B12), PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE (B6), CHROMIUM POLYNICOTINATE, CITRIC ACID, BETA CAROTENE (FOR COLOR), NATURAL FLAVOR, SUCRALOSE, ACESULFAME POTASSIUM.
Allergens and diets
- Palm-oil-free
Always check the package: recipes change.
Sources
-
Personalized microbiome-driven effects of non-nutritive sweeteners on human glucose tolerance
“As groups, each administered NNS distinctly altered stool and oral microbiome and plasma metabolome, whereas saccharin and sucralose significantly impaired glycemic responses.”
doi.org
-
“Sucralose-6-acetate significantly increased the expression of genes associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and cancer”
doi.org
-
“EFSA’s experts concluded that the sweetener sucralose (E 955) continues to be safe for consumers for its currently authorised uses as a food additive.”
efsa.europa.eu
-
WHO advises not to use non-sugar sweeteners for weight control in newly released guideline
“The recommendation is based on the findings of a systematic review of the available evidence which suggests that use of NSS does not confer any long-term benefit in reducing body fat in adults or children.”
who.int
-
Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030
“Limit foods and beverages that include artificial flavors, petroleum-based dyes, artificial preservatives, and low-calorie non-nutritive sweeteners.”
cdn.realfood.gov
-
Artificial sweeteners and cancer risk: Results from the NutriNet-Santé population-based cohort study
“In this large cohort study, artificial sweeteners (especially aspartame and acesulfame-K), which are used in many food and beverage brands worldwide, were associated with increased cancer risk.”
doi.org
-
Re-evaluation of acesulfame K (E 950) as food additive (plain language summary)
“The acceptable daily intake (ADI) considered safe for all population groups was set at 15 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day.”
efsa.europa.eu
-
21 CFR 101.22 Foods; labeling of spices, flavorings, colorings and chemical preservatives
“whose significant function in food is flavoring rather than nutritional.”
ecfr.gov
-
“Greater exposure to ultra-processed food was associated with a higher risk of adverse health outcomes, especially cardiometabolic, common mental disorder, and mortality outcomes.”
doi.org